I've updated my favorite Italian plum jam from childhood, making it really easy with no pectin, sugar, or canning process required! Delicious on just about any baked good, it makes a mean peanut butter and jam sandwich.
3cupswashed Italian plumschopped (about 6 pieces per plum)
1 ¼cupfiltered water
12medjool dates
3tablespoonsfiltered water
1 ½tablespoonlemon juice
1 ½teaspoonsground allspice
¼teaspoonground clovesheaping
3tablespoonschia seedsground
1tablespoonmaple syrupor more (optional)
Instructions
Soak dates: In a mason jar or other container, place the pitted dates, then cover with the 1 ¼ cups water. Seal and place in the fridge for at least one hour to soften.
Chop plums: This is a good time to chop the prune plums, just before blending the date syrup. Should have about 6 pieces per plum.
Blend date syrup: Place the dates and liquid into a blender and blend until smooth.
Simmer ingredients: Place the plums, date syrup, water, lemon juice, and spices into a saucepan (2 or 3 quart will do). Turn the heat to high and stir occasionally until just starting to boil. While bringing to a boil, taste and add the optional maple syrup if needed to achieve the sweetness you desire. Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add ground chia seeds: Add the chia seeds and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Jar and store: Remove from heat and let cool for 20 minutes or so (the jam will still be warm). Place in jars (four 8-ounce jars recommended) and store what you will eat within the week in the refrigerator. Place the remaining jars in the freezer.
Enjoy: Delicious on just about any baked good. Makes a mean peanut butter and jam sandwich.
Defrost: Remove jam from the freezer and place in the refrigerator overnight. Use within a few days.
Notes
Fills about four 8-ounce jars.Serving estimate is 2 tablespoons.Note: The sweetness of this jam will vary depending on the state of your plums. I find that, even though the plums are harvested at the same time, some are riper than others and using a variety, from very ripe to just barely ripe, can provide more flavor depth but may require more sweetener. Add the optional maple syrup if needed.